JHC HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 646 SALISBURY STREET
WORCESTER, MA 01609 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- March 8, 2006
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CMS Quality Ratings
Composite score combining quality measures and patient survey results.
Based on the CMS Hospice Care Index — 10 operational quality indicators including visits near death, nursing minutes, and care transitions.
CAHPS Hospice Survey — family caregivers rate communication, symptom management, respect, and overall experience.
CMS scores as of August 2026. Quality of Care derived from CMS Hospice Care Index. Patient Satisfaction from the CMS CAHPS Hospice Survey. Overall is the equally-weighted average of both. All source data published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Staffing & Capacity
| Role | Staff Count |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurses (RN) | 11 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 4 |
| Physicians | 1 |
48
Total Employees
Staffing data as reported to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Inpatient Care and Medical Equipment
Hospices report these services to Medicare when they are certified. This is what JHC HOSPICE reported, not a check of what it offers today. Confirm current arrangements with the hospice.
- Short-term inpatient care
- Arranged through another hospital or nursing home
- Type of inpatient care
- Both general inpatient care and respite care
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Supplied directly by this hospice
Short stays in a hospice inpatient unit, hospital, or nursing home for pain or symptoms that cannot be managed where the patient lives, or to give family caregivers a break.
Equipment and supplies tied to the terminal illness and the plan of care, such as a hospital bed, oxygen, wound supplies, or a wheelchair.
Medicare lets hospices provide these services through arrangements with other organizations. Either way, the hospice stays responsible for the covered care in the patient’s plan of care.
Reported by this hospice to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services when it was certified in 2022.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how JHC HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
13.9 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 67th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
78
patients in care on an average day
A rough measure of size. Smaller can mean more personal. Larger can mean more resources.
How this hospice compares nationally
Bars show national standing on measures from the CMS Hospice Care Index. A fuller bar means this hospice does better than more of the hospices CMS tracks.
- Nurse care minutes per home care day13.9 min
Ranks better than about 67% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
The average minutes of nursing care per day for patients getting routine care at home, based on Medicare claims. More nurse time usually means more hands-on support.
- Skilled nursing on weekends9.8%
Ranks better than about 68% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
The share of skilled nursing time delivered on Saturdays and Sundays. Symptoms do not wait for weekdays, so weekend coverage matters.
- Nurse visits in the last days of life97.4%
Ranks better than about 82% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
The share of patients who got nurse visits in their final days of life. This is when families tend to need the most support.
- Gaps in nursing visits16.7%
Ranks better than about 91% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
How often patients went more than a week without a nursing visit. Fewer gaps mean steadier attention.
- Patients discharged alive early in care4.8%
Ranks better than about 61% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
The share of patients who left hospice alive within the first week of care. A rate of 0% means it did not happen to any of their patients.
- Patients discharged alive after 6 months41.9%
Ranks better than about 35% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
The share of patients discharged alive after six months or more in hospice care.
- Hospital transfers near the end of care1.9%
Ranks better than about 78% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
The share of patients who left hospice, spent time in the hospital, then came back to hospice.
- Hospital stays that interrupt hospice1%
Ranks better than about 50% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
The share of patients who left hospice, went to the hospital, and died there soon after.
- Days at higher levels of care (CHC or GIP)79th percentile
What this measures
The share of care days delivered at higher levels, such as continuous home care or inpatient care. Shown only as a national rank because small percentages round to zero.
- Medicare spending per patient$13,949 · 28th percentile
What this measures
What Medicare paid per patient for this hospice's care. Higher or lower spending is not a quality judgment by itself.
Care steps completed at admissionShow detailsMedicare tracked 9 required care steps for new patients here, completed for 75% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment98.7%
- Treatment preferences discussed99.7%
- Beliefs and values discussed99.7%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids99.2%
- Visits in the last days of life75%
- All care steps completed98.9%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer16%
- Dementia18%
- Heart and circulatory disease15%
- Lung and respiratory disease8%
- Stroke30%
- Other conditions14%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
JHC Hospice in Worcester
JHC Hospice serves the Worcester, Massachusetts area from their office on Salisbury Street. They provide end-of-life care focused on comfort and support for patients and their families. This organization has been certified by Medicare since 2006. They operate as a non-profit entity. Choosing a local provider often helps families get care faster. Their team is ready to help residents in the Worcester region manage symptoms. That is why they remain a common choice for local hospice needs.
About JHC Hospice
JHC Hospice functions as a freestanding hospice provider. Being a non-profit organization means their goals align with patient care rather than profit margins. They have served the community for nearly two decades. This longevity shows a steady history of service. The team includes 48 employees. This group consists of 11 registered nurses, 4 licensed practical nurses, and 1 physician. Staffing levels matter because they determine how often a nurse can visit your home. You should look for a team that has enough staff to meet your specific needs. They are held to high federal standards. These rules ensure that all patients receive safe care every single day. Always ask how a provider manages their staff schedules during holidays or weekends.
Quality of Care
What Is Hospice Care Like in Worcester?
Hospice care in Worcester focuses on relieving pain and supporting the human spirit. Most care happens in your own home. The goal is to keep you comfortable in a familiar setting. A hospice team usually includes doctors, nurses, and social workers. They work together to create a plan that fits your life. These experts manage medications and provide emotional support for the whole family. Because this is a team effort, communication is the secret to success. You will see nurses checking on symptoms regularly. They also teach family members how to help with daily tasks. It makes a difference when your care team knows the local area well. That local connection helps them coordinate services more effectively during difficult times.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Finding the right care team requires asking specific questions. Start by asking how quickly a nurse can arrive if you have a sudden crisis at night. You should also ask how the team coordinates with your primary doctor. It is good to know if they provide extra volunteers for companionship. Ask about their experience with your specific diagnosis. You need clear answers before making a final choice. Here are three things to keep in mind. First, ask about their after-hours support process. Second, check if they offer chaplain services or spiritual support. Third, ask how they handle medication changes. These details help you feel more prepared for the future. Do not hesitate to ask for clarity on any part of their care plan.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Your loved one has a lifetime of stories that deserve to be remembered forever. Capture these memories now.
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